LaShea Johnson Real Estate

10/16/2026

Real Estate News with LaShea Johnson





Contact me if you're thinking about buying or selling.

What's the biggest payment you make every month? If you’re a renter, it's probably your rent.

10/16/2026

Thinking about waiting for mortgage rates to fall? That’s one option, but future rates, home prices and competition are uncertain. Buying now means working with today’s rate, and you may be able to negotiate a seller-paid rate buydown instead.

As of Oct. 1, 2026, the 30-year fixed averaged about 7.28%, compared with roughly 6.35% a year earlier. On a $400,000 home, that can mean about $200 more per month, depending on the down payment and loan terms. This is an estimate; confirm current rates and your payment with a lender.

A temporary 2-1 buydown lowers the rate for the first two years, easing the initial payments. A permanent buydown lowers the rate for the life of the loan and generally costs more upfront. In a slower fall market, a motivated seller may agree to fund some or all of a buydown, but concessions are negotiable, not guaranteed.

Before deciding, compare at least three lenders. Look at APR and total loan costs, not just the advertised rate. Ask what each buydown costs and saves over five and ten years, and whether you qualify for down payment assistance.

Buying in South Plainfield, Piscataway? Middlesex, Union or Essex County? Let’s review your numbers before you decide to wait.



LaShea Johnson, eXp Realty | LaShea Johnson Real Estate
Cell: 862-755-2975 | Office: 866-201-6210 ext. 1180
W: lasheajohnson.exprealty.com | E: [email protected]

10/15/2026

Real Estate News with LaShea Johnson





Contact me if you're thinking about buying or selling.

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/15/2026

Your friend is a Realtor, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy a house to support them. 💜

A few thoughtful ways to help:

• Share their posts or listings
• Refer a friend or coworker who needs real estate help
• Leave a review or make an introduction
• Like, comment on, or share their content
• Ask them your market questions
• Recommend them when someone mentions moving
• Offer kind feedback on their marketing
• Be patient. Real estate transactions take time.

Word of mouth and a little encouragement go a long way. If you’re in South Plainfield, Piscataway, I’m always happy to be a resource. No pressure to move!

Know a Realtor friend who’d appreciate this? Share it with them. 🏡

LaShea Johnson, eXp Realty | LaShea Johnson Real Estate
Cell: 862-755-2975 | Office: 866-201-6210 ext. 1180
W: lasheajohnson.exprealty.com | E: [email protected]

10/14/2026

Real Estate News with LaShea Johnson





Contact me if you're thinking about buying or selling.

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.

10/14/2026

New Jersey’s ANCHOR benefit may require you to file for yourself, especially if you’re a senior homeowner or receive disability benefits.

ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) replaced the Homestead Benefit. If you’re 65+ or receive Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement disability benefits, NJ says it will not automatically file your combined PAS-1 application. Most eligible homeowners under 65 who aren’t receiving those benefits, and most eligible renters, including many seniors and disability recipients, may be auto-filed based on prior applications. Check your filing status.

If the home or rental was your primary residence on Oct. 1, 2025, potential benefits include:
• Homeowners: $1,500 with 2025 NJ gross income ≤$150,000; $1,000 with income of $150,001–$250,000.
• Renters: $450 if age 64 or younger; $700 if age 65+.

File or verify by Nov. 2, 2026: https://propertytaxreliefapp.nj.gov/
Eligibility details: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor/eligibility.shtml

ANCHOR is a state benefit; it does not lower your municipal tax bill, so keep paying property taxes on schedule. Combined ANCHOR, Stay NJ, Senior Freeze and applicable deductions cannot exceed property taxes paid on the qualifying primary residence. Confirm eligibility and deadlines with official NJ sources.

Questions? Reach out. Serving South Plainfield, Piscataway, Middlesex, Union & Essex counties.
Plainfield

LaShea Johnson, eXp Realty | LaShea Johnson Real Estate / Cell: 862-755-2975 | Office: 866-201-6210 ext. 1180 / W: lasheajohnson.exprealty.com | E: [email protected]

10/13/2026

Seeing more price cuts in New Jersey? Buyers may have more choices and negotiating room than they’ve had in years, but leverage depends on the home. Well-priced properties are still selling for about 102.6% of list price.

With the 30-year fixed rate at 7.28% on October 1, compared with 6.35% a year ago, look beyond the asking price. Try these strategies:

• Ask about closing-cost credits, repair credits, or a seller-paid rate buydown.
• Use inspection findings to discuss repairs or credits.
• Treat longer days on market as a reason to ask whether the seller may be flexible, not a guarantee.
• Compare the full monthly cost, including taxes, insurance, and financing.
• Get fully pre-approved so your offer is ready to be taken seriously.

September data showed active listings rising and price cuts becoming more common. If you’re buying in South Plainfield, Piscataway. Middlesex, Union, or Essex County, reach out to review your negotiating options.



LaShea Johnson, eXp Realty | LaShea Johnson Real Estate / Cell: 862-755-2975 | Office: 866-201-6210 ext. 1180 / W: lasheajohnson.exprealty.com | E: [email protected].

10/12/2026

Real Estate News with LaShea Johnson





Contact me if you're thinking about buying or selling.

With everything going on, it’s understandable if you’re wondering if you’d regret buying right now.

10/12/2026

The quieter months can create meaningful advantages for prepared New Jersey buyers.

After the Spring and Summer rush, inventory and competition often ease. That may mean fewer bidding wars and more time to evaluate a home carefully.

Sellers who list later in the year are often highly motivated. Depending on the situation, buyers may have more room to discuss price, closing timing, or repairs.

Being fully pre-approved is essential. When the right home appears, you can act quickly and submit a stronger, well-prepared offer.

Cold-weather showings also reveal details warm-weather visits may hide, including:

• How well the heating system performs
• Drafts and insulation concerns
• How the property handles rain, snow, and winter conditions

With a clear plan and a strong relationship with your real estate agent, the quieter months can be an excellent time to buy with confidence.

Thinking about buying before the end of the year? Reach out to get prepared and understand your next steps.



LaShea Johnson, eXp Realty | LaShea Johnson Real Estate / Cell: 862-755-2975 | Office: 866-201-6210 ext. 1180 / W: lasheajohnson.exprealty.com | E: [email protected]